Difference between revisions of "Wondermega"
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+ | {{ConsoleBob | ||
+ | | logo=Wondermega logo.png | ||
+ | | consoleimage=Wondermega rgm1.jpg | ||
+ | | name=Wondermega / X'Eye | ||
+ | | maker=[[Sega]], [[JVC]]/[[Victor]] | ||
+ | | variants= | ||
+ | | add-ons= | ||
+ | | processor=[[68000]] | ||
+ | | releases={{releasesMCD | ||
+ | | mcd_date_jp_Victor=1992-04-01{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20130410234358/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/wonder.html}} | ||
+ | | mcd_code_jp_Victor=RG-M1 | ||
+ | | mcd_rrp_jp_Victor=82,800e{{magref|bemega|1993-01|15}} | ||
+ | | mcd_date_jp_Sega=1992-04-24{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20130410234358/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/wonder.html}} | ||
+ | | mcd_code_jp_Sega=HWM-5010 | ||
+ | | mcd_rrp_jp_Sega=79,800e{{magref|bemega|1992-04|5}} | ||
+ | | mcd_date_jp_Victor M2=1993-07-02{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20130410234358/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/wonder.html}} | ||
+ | | mcd_code_jp_Victor M2=RG-M2 | ||
+ | | mcd_rrp_jp_Victor M2=59,800e{{magref|bemega|1994-01|18}} | ||
+ | | mcd_date_us=1994-04{{magref|gamepro|57|90}} | ||
+ | | mcd_rrp_us=499.95{{magref|egm|55|60}} <!--{{magref|gamepro|57|90}} says $399 --> | ||
+ | | mcd_code_us=RG-M10BU | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | }} | ||
− | + | The '''Wondermega''' (ワンダーメガ) is a combined [[Sega Mega Drive]] and [[Sega Mega-CD]] unit created by [[Victor]]. It was initially released in 1992 as the first "combo" unit of its kind, seeing a North American release as the '''X'Eye''' in 1994. | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | The | ||
− | [[Category: | + | ==Hardware== |
+ | Four models of Wondermega were produced between 1992 and 1994, all sharing a similar set of features albeit with different case designs. Primarily the Wondermega serves as a high-end Mega Drive and Mega-CD unit, with [[composite video|composite]] and [[S-Video]] television outputs built into the unit in addition to the standard [[RF]]. The original 2 models even featured a motorised pop-up disc tray. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Also included is a digital signal processor (DSP) for audio enhancement, a [[MIDI]] output and two microphone inputs for use as a karaoke machine. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Models== | ||
+ | There were several models of the Wondermega, though sales never reached that of the standard Mega Drive or Mega CD units, due to the Wondermega's substantial price. All of them have the [[TMSS]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Wondermega, Victor RG-M1 Model=== | ||
+ | The first Wondermega model, the RG-M1 is as described above, shipping with ''[[Wondermega Collection]]'', a compilation disc that includes ''[[Quiz Scramble]]'', ''[[Flicky]]'', ''[[Pyramid Magic]]'' and ''[[Paddle Fighter]]''. However, at ¥82,800 the system was priced well above the cost of a combined Mega Drive (¥21,000 at launch) and Mega-CD (¥49,800 at launch, totalling ¥70,800 (although prices for both would have dropped significantly by 1992)). | ||
+ | |||
+ | Victor released a pair of matching speakers - the "Wonder Sound" (RG-SP1), for {{currency|JP|22,000}} at around the same time. | ||
+ | <gallery> | ||
+ | File:Wondermega rgm1.jpg|Console | ||
+ | File:Wondermega2.jpg|CD area | ||
+ | File:Wondermega3.jpg|DSP preset buttons | ||
+ | File:Wondermega4.jpg|Karaoke buttons for recording/mixing | ||
+ | File:Wondermega5.jpg|Power/reset buttons, controller ports | ||
+ | File:Wondermega6.jpg|Audio/video output and MIDI output | ||
+ | File:Wondermega gamepad.jpg|Victor-branded gamepad | ||
+ | </gallery> | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Wondermega, Sega Model=== | ||
+ | By the end of April 1992 Sega released their own Wondermega model which retailed for ¥3,000 less. This version is basically identical to the Victor RG-M1, but the sticker that is seen next to the Wondermega logo is removed and the Victor logo near the disc tray is replaced with the Sega logo. | ||
+ | <gallery> | ||
+ | File:Wondermega.jpg|Console | ||
+ | </gallery> | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Wondermega M2, Victor RG-M2 Model=== | ||
+ | Sweeping changes were made in the RG-M2 model, released by Victor in 1993. The [[DE-9]] controller ports were moved to the back, and in their place, an infrared receiver. M2 wireless controllers are very different in design from Sega's models and feature six buttons. The RG-M2 also employs numerous cost-cutting measures, resulting in a slightly smaller unit with a sleeker design. | ||
+ | |||
+ | While [[Sega 32X]] compatibility is maintained, the design means that the disc drive door cannot be opened completely with a 32X attached. Victor offered a "32-bit upgrade service" for ¥5,000, which would see the lid replaced with a new design capable of opening when a 32X is attached. The result partially obscures the disc drive internals but largely alleviates the problem. Curiously Victor maintained this service until 2013 - 20 years after the system's debut. | ||
+ | <gallery> | ||
+ | File:Wondermega rgm2.jpg|Console, now with infrared wireless controllers | ||
+ | File:Wondermega rgm2 2.jpg|Karaoke and headphone volume dials | ||
+ | File:Wondermega rgm2 3.jpg|Audio/video output, with extra controller ports | ||
+ | File:Wondermega RGM2 ControlPad 1.jpg|Wireless control pad | ||
+ | File:Wondermega RGM2 ControlPad 2.jpg|Wired control pad | ||
+ | </gallery> | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===X'Eye=== | ||
+ | During the spring of 1994, JVC released the Wondermega RG-M2 as the X'Eye in the United States, albeit with several features removed. The S-video connector was dropped in favor of the 9-pin AV port used by the Mega Drive II (although some X'Eyes lack this) and the wireless controllers were dropped, with standard 9-pin controller ports in place of the M2's infrared receiver. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Very early X'Eye consoles lack the aforementioned 9-pin AV port, and so cannot function with a 32X. Most X'Eye consoles work with the [[Sega 32X]] add-on, although similarly to the M2 above, the 32X blocks the lid of the disc drive from opening completely (potentially causing issues with some [[Sega Mega-CD 32X]] games which require discs to be swapped). | ||
+ | |||
+ | The X'Eye was packaged with ''[[Prize Fighter]]'', ''[[Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia]]'' and a Karaoke CD that included the songs ''Achy Breaky Heart'' and ''Two Princes''. | ||
+ | <gallery> | ||
+ | File:Xeye.jpg|Console | ||
+ | File:Xeye_Bottom.jpg|Bottom | ||
+ | File:Xeye_Back.jpg|A/V output (note that this unit has been modified with S-video out) | ||
+ | File:Wondermega 32x.jpg|With 32X connected | ||
+ | File:Xeye ControlPad.jpg|JVC-branded control pad | ||
+ | File:XeyeManuals.jpg| Manuals & Samplers | ||
+ | File:XeyeAll.jpg | ||
+ | </gallery> | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Magazine articles== | ||
+ | {{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Promotional material== | ||
+ | {{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Promotional material}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Releases== | ||
+ | ===Japan=== | ||
+ | {{ConsoleReleaseTable| | ||
+ | {{ConsoleRelease | ||
+ | | front=Wondermega RGM1 JP Box Front.jpg | ||
+ | | back=Wondermega JP Box Back RGM1.jpg | ||
+ | | spinemissing=yes | ||
+ | | square=yes | ||
+ | |||
+ | | name=Wondermega | ||
+ | | name2=ワンダーメガ | ||
+ | | distributor=[[Victor]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | | dateprice={{DatePrice|JP|82,800|1992-04-01}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | | console=Wondermega rgm1.jpg | ||
+ | | consolecode=RG-M1 | ||
+ | |||
+ | | hard1=Wondermega gamepad.jpg | ||
+ | | hard1name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | | soft1=WondermegaCollection MCD JP Box Front.jpg | ||
+ | | soft1name=''[[Wondermega Collection]]'' | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ConsoleRelease | ||
+ | | front=Wondermega box.jpg | ||
+ | | back=Wondermega mcd 03.jpg | ||
+ | | spinemissing=yes | ||
+ | | square=yes | ||
+ | |||
+ | | name=Wondermega | ||
+ | | name2=ワンダーメガ | ||
+ | | code=HWM-5000 | ||
+ | | distributor=[[Sega]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | | dateprice={{DatePrice|JP|79,800|1992-04-24}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | | console=Wondermega.jpg | ||
+ | | consolecode=HWM-5100 | ||
+ | |||
+ | | hard1=Pad MD JP I.jpg | ||
+ | | hard1name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | | soft1=WondermegaCollection MCD JP Box Front.jpg | ||
+ | | soft1name=''[[Wondermega Collection]]'' | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ConsoleRelease | ||
+ | | front=Wondermega rgm2 box front.jpg | ||
+ | | back=Wondermega rgm2 box back.jpg | ||
+ | | spinemissing=yes | ||
+ | | square=yes | ||
+ | |||
+ | | name=Wondermega M2 | ||
+ | | name2=ワンダーメガ M2 | ||
+ | | distributor=[[Victor]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | | dateprice={{DatePrice|JP|59,800|1993-07-02}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | | console=Wondermega rgm2.jpg | ||
+ | | consolecode=RG-M2 | ||
+ | |||
+ | | hard1=Wondermega RGM2 ControlPad 1.jpg | ||
+ | | hard1name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]] | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===United States=== | ||
+ | {{ConsoleReleaseTable| | ||
+ | {{ConsoleRelease | ||
+ | | front=XEye US Box Front Alt.jpg | ||
+ | | back= | ||
+ | | spinemissing= | ||
+ | | square=yes | ||
+ | |||
+ | | name=X'Eye | ||
+ | | distributor=[[JVC]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | | dateprice=$499.00 (1994) | ||
+ | |||
+ | | console=Xeye.jpg | ||
+ | | consolecode=RG-M10BU | ||
+ | |||
+ | | hard1=Xeye ControlPad.jpg | ||
+ | | hard1name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | | soft1=Karaoke Top Hit Sampler CD Sleeve Front.jpg | ||
+ | | soft1name=''Karaoke Top Hit Sampler'' | ||
+ | |||
+ | | soft2=Notavailable.svg | ||
+ | | soft2name=''[[Prize Fighter]]'' | ||
+ | |||
+ | | soft3=CIE MCD US Box Front XEye.jpg | ||
+ | | soft3name=''[[Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia]]'' | ||
+ | |||
+ | | doc1= | ||
+ | | doc1name= | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ConsoleRelease | ||
+ | | front=Xeye US Box Front.jpg | ||
+ | | back=Xeye_US_Box_Back.jpg | ||
+ | | spinemissing=yes | ||
+ | | square=yes | ||
+ | |||
+ | | name=X'Eye | ||
+ | | distributor=[[JVC]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | | dateprice=$499.00 (1994) | ||
+ | |||
+ | | console=Xeye.jpg | ||
+ | | consolecode=RG-M10BU | ||
+ | |||
+ | | hard1=Xeye ControlPad.jpg | ||
+ | | hard1name=[[Control Pad (Mega Drive)|Control Pad]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | | soft1=Karaoke Top Hit Sampler CD Sleeve Front.jpg | ||
+ | | soft1name=''Karaoke Top Hit Sampler'' | ||
+ | |||
+ | | soft2=Notavailable.svg | ||
+ | | soft2name=''[[Prize Fighter]]'' | ||
+ | |||
+ | | soft3=CIE MCD US Box Front XEye.jpg | ||
+ | | soft3name=''[[Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia]]'' | ||
+ | |||
+ | | doc1= | ||
+ | | doc1name= | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==External links== | ||
+ | *[https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/wonder.html Sega of Japan catalogue page (Japanese)] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==References== | ||
+ | <references/> | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{MegaDrive}} | ||
+ | {{MegaCD}} | ||
+ | [[Category:Mega Drive hardware]] |
Latest revision as of 05:16, 15 January 2024
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Wondermega / X'Eye | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Manufacturer: Sega, JVC/Victor | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Wondermega (ワンダーメガ) is a combined Sega Mega Drive and Sega Mega-CD unit created by Victor. It was initially released in 1992 as the first "combo" unit of its kind, seeing a North American release as the X'Eye in 1994.
Contents
Hardware
Four models of Wondermega were produced between 1992 and 1994, all sharing a similar set of features albeit with different case designs. Primarily the Wondermega serves as a high-end Mega Drive and Mega-CD unit, with composite and S-Video television outputs built into the unit in addition to the standard RF. The original 2 models even featured a motorised pop-up disc tray.
Also included is a digital signal processor (DSP) for audio enhancement, a MIDI output and two microphone inputs for use as a karaoke machine.
Models
There were several models of the Wondermega, though sales never reached that of the standard Mega Drive or Mega CD units, due to the Wondermega's substantial price. All of them have the TMSS.
Wondermega, Victor RG-M1 Model
The first Wondermega model, the RG-M1 is as described above, shipping with Wondermega Collection, a compilation disc that includes Quiz Scramble, Flicky, Pyramid Magic and Paddle Fighter. However, at ¥82,800 the system was priced well above the cost of a combined Mega Drive (¥21,000 at launch) and Mega-CD (¥49,800 at launch, totalling ¥70,800 (although prices for both would have dropped significantly by 1992)).
Victor released a pair of matching speakers - the "Wonder Sound" (RG-SP1), for ¥22,000 at around the same time.
Wondermega, Sega Model
By the end of April 1992 Sega released their own Wondermega model which retailed for ¥3,000 less. This version is basically identical to the Victor RG-M1, but the sticker that is seen next to the Wondermega logo is removed and the Victor logo near the disc tray is replaced with the Sega logo.
Wondermega M2, Victor RG-M2 Model
Sweeping changes were made in the RG-M2 model, released by Victor in 1993. The DE-9 controller ports were moved to the back, and in their place, an infrared receiver. M2 wireless controllers are very different in design from Sega's models and feature six buttons. The RG-M2 also employs numerous cost-cutting measures, resulting in a slightly smaller unit with a sleeker design.
While Sega 32X compatibility is maintained, the design means that the disc drive door cannot be opened completely with a 32X attached. Victor offered a "32-bit upgrade service" for ¥5,000, which would see the lid replaced with a new design capable of opening when a 32X is attached. The result partially obscures the disc drive internals but largely alleviates the problem. Curiously Victor maintained this service until 2013 - 20 years after the system's debut.
X'Eye
During the spring of 1994, JVC released the Wondermega RG-M2 as the X'Eye in the United States, albeit with several features removed. The S-video connector was dropped in favor of the 9-pin AV port used by the Mega Drive II (although some X'Eyes lack this) and the wireless controllers were dropped, with standard 9-pin controller ports in place of the M2's infrared receiver.
Very early X'Eye consoles lack the aforementioned 9-pin AV port, and so cannot function with a 32X. Most X'Eye consoles work with the Sega 32X add-on, although similarly to the M2 above, the 32X blocks the lid of the disc drive from opening completely (potentially causing issues with some Sega Mega-CD 32X games which require discs to be swapped).
The X'Eye was packaged with Prize Fighter, Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia and a Karaoke CD that included the songs Achy Breaky Heart and Two Princes.
Magazine articles
- Main article: Wondermega/Magazine articles.
Promotional material
- Main article: Wondermega/Promotional material.
Releases
Japan
Box | Name | Distributor | Date & Price | Console | Label | Hardware | Software | Documentation | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wondermega ワンダーメガ |
Victor | ![]() |
|||||||
Wondermega ワンダーメガ HWM-5000 |
Sega | ![]() |
|||||||
Wondermega M2 ワンダーメガ M2 |
Victor | ![]() |
United States
Box | Name | Distributor | Date & Price | Console | Label | Hardware | Software | Documentation | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
X'Eye | JVC | $499.00 (1994) | |||||||
X'Eye | JVC | $499.00 (1994) |
External links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/mcd/wonder.html (Wayback Machine: 2013-04-10 23:43)
- ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "January 1993" (JP; 1992-12-08), page 15
- ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "April 1992" (JP; 1992-03-07), page 5
- ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "January 1994" (JP; 1993-12-08), page 18
- ↑ GamePro, "April 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 90
- ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "February 1994" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 60
Sega Mega-CD | |
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Topics | Technical specifications | History | Magazine articles | Promotional material |
Hardware | Mega CD (Asia | North America | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | South America | Australasia | Africa) Sega Multi-Mega (Asia | North America | Europe | South America | Australasia) Wondermega | LaserActive | CSD-G1M |
Misc. hardware | CD BackUp RAM Cart | Mega-CD Karaoke | Pro CDX |
Development tools | SNASM Mega-CD | PsyQ Mega-CD SDK | PSY-Q CD Emulation System (Mega-CD) |
Unreleased hardware | Game Genie |